Retractable enclosure system

ABSTRACT

A retractable enclosure system for providing outdoor comfort to individuals adjacent to a building. The retractable enclosure system includes a housing attachable to a building structure, a foldable frame attached to the housing and/or building structure, and a covering surrounding the foldable frame. The foldable frame preferably includes a plurality of support members connected to one another by a plurality of lower extension members and upper extension members. A plurality of support cables are preferably dispensed from a cable reel within the housing adjacent to the upper portions of the support members for providing additional support to the covering. The covering is preferably comprised of a netting for allowing enjoyment of the exterior surroundings while preventing the entry of insects.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to enclosure structuresand more specifically it relates to a retractable enclosure system forproviding outdoor comfort to individuals adjacent to a building.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Enclosure devices for keeping insects away from individuals havebeen in use for years. Conventional enclosures are comprised of a framestructure with netting attached about the frame for enclosing theindividuals. Conventional enclosures are not suitable for attachment toa building structure. In addition, conventional enclosures are notsuitable for extension and retraction with respect to a buildingstructure.

[0007] Examples of patented devices which may be related to the presentinvention include U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,129; U.S. Pat. No. 4,102,353; U.S.Pat. No. 2,255,837; U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,668; U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,463;U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,227; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,855.

[0008] In these respects, the retractable enclosure system according tothe present invention substantially departs from the conventionalconcepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides anapparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing outdoorcomfort to individuals adjacent to a building.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the knowntypes of enclosure devices now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new retractable enclosure system constructionwherein the same can be utilized for providing outdoor comfort toindividuals adjacent to a building.

[0010] The general purpose of the present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a newretractable enclosure system that has many of the advantages of theenclosure devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features thatresult in a new retractable enclosure system which is not anticipated,rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior artenclosure devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0011] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises ahousing attachable to a building structure, a foldable frame attached tothe housing or building structure, and a covering surrounding thefoldable frame. The foldable frame preferably includes a plurality ofsupport members connected to one another by a plurality of lowerextension members and upper extension members. A plurality of supportcables are preferably dispensed from a cable reel within the housing orbuilding structure adjacent to the upper portions of the support membersfor providing additional support to the covering. The covering ispreferably comprised of a netting for allowing viewing of the exteriorsurrounds while preventing the entry of insects.

[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0014] A primary object of the present invention is to provide aretractable enclosure system that will overcome the shortcomings of theprior art devices.

[0015] A second object is to provide a retractable enclosure system forproviding outdoor comfort to individuals adjacent to a building in acost effective manner.

[0016] Another object is to provide a retractable enclosure system thatmay be utilized upon various sizes and types of building structures.

[0017] An additional object is to provide a retractable enclosure systemthat may be extended to various distances from a building structure.

[0018] A further object is to provide a retractable enclosure systemthat may be operated by a single person.

[0019] Another object is to provide a retractable enclosure system thatis quickly setup and stored away.

[0020] A further object is to provide a retractable enclosure systemthat may be conveniently stored against the building structure.

[0021] Another object is to provide a retractable enclosure system thatmay cover various areas such as but not limited to patios.

[0022] A further object is to provide a retractable enclosure that isextended and folded as a single unit.

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, thisinvention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawingsare illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated and described within the scope of the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of thepresent invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0026]FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention fullyextended with the cover removed.

[0027]FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention fullyextended.

[0028]FIG. 3 is an upper perspective of the present invention with thefront portion folded.

[0029]FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the present invention withthe entire structure being folded.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention full extended.

[0031]FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the present invention withthe support cables being extended.

[0032]FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of the present invention beingretracted with the cover removed.

[0033]FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of the present invention beingretracted with the cover removed.

[0034]FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the present invention inthe stored position.

[0035]FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of a first alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of a second alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similarreference characters denote similar elements throughout the severalviews, FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate a retractable enclosure system 10,which comprises a housing 20 attachable to a building structure, afoldable frame attached to the housing 20 and/or the building structure,and a covering 80 surrounding the foldable frame. The foldable framepreferably includes a plurality of support members 30, 40, 50, 60connected to one another by a plurality of lower extension members 70and upper extension members 72. A plurality of support cables 74 arepreferably dispensed from a cable reel 78 within the housing 20 or thebuilding structure through or adjacent to the upper portions of thesupport members 30, 40, 50, 60 for providing additional support to thecovering 80. The covering 80 is preferably comprised of a netting forallowing viewing and outdoor comfort of the exterior surrounds whilepreventing the entry of insects.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 11 of the drawings, the housing 20has an interior portion 22 for receiving the foldable frame and covering80. The housing 20 preferably has an inverted U-shaped structure as bestillustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings. Various other shapes may be usedto construct the housing 20 for receiving the support members 30, 40,50, 60 and cover 80. The interior portion 22 is formed for easilyreceiving the support members with the covering 80. The housing 20and/or the foldable frame may be attached to a building structure eitherpermanently or removably utilizing conventional fastening devices.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 of the drawings, a first supportmember 30, a second support member 40, a third support member 50 and afourth support member 60 are all interconnected to one another via aplurality of foldable lower extension members 70 and a plurality offoldable upper extension members 72. A base support member may beattached within the housing 20 and connected to the first support member30 as best illustrated in FIG. 5. The support members 30, 40, 50, 60 mayhave various shapes, however it is preferable that the support members30, 40, 50, 60 have an inverted U-shaped structure for maximizing theuseful interior area beneath the covering 80. A hinge 42 preferablypivotally connects the distal ends of the second support member 40, thethird support member 50 and the fourth support member 60 therebyeliminate the need for lower extension members 70 between thereof asbest shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 5through 8 of the drawings, an upper support member 52 is pivotallyattached to the third support member 50 for providing additionalextension of the covering 80 with respect to the frame.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5 through 8 of the drawings, a plurality ofsupport cables 74 are attached to a cable reel 78 within the housing 20or on a building structure and slidably extend preferably througheyelets within the support members 30, 40, 50, 60. The distal ends ofthe support cables 74 preferably have respective hooks 76 forselectively engaging eyelets 62 within the fourth support member 60 asbest illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The cable reel 78 ispreferably spring loaded for drawing the support cables 74 in when theframe is folded within the interior portion 22 of the housing 20.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, a covering 80 isattached to the frame for enclosing an area. The covering 80 ispreferably comprised of a netting material, however various othermaterials may be utilized that are suitable for allowing outdoor comfortwhile keeping insects outside. The covering 80 preferablyextends/retracts about three or more sides of the frame as illustratedin FIG. 4 of the drawings. It can also be appreciated that a door may bepositioned within the covering 80 such as by utilizing a zipperstructure or related opening. In addition, additional materials may beadded to the covering 80 for providing protection from sunlight andother weather elements.

[0042] A plurality of first sleeves 82 are attached to the covering 80and movably engage the extension members 70, 72. A plurality of secondsleeves 84 are attached to the covering 80 and movably engage thesupport members 30, 40, 50, 60.

[0043]FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the third support member 50 and the fourth supportmember 60 are not utilized thereby forming a generally rectangularstructure. FIG. 11 illustrates a second alternative embodiment of thepresent invention wherein the first support member 30 is not utilizedcreating a relatively shorter structure. Various other configurationsmay be utilized to construct the present invention.

[0044] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operationof the present invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

[0045] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realizedthat the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of theinvention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to bewithin the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalentstructural variations and relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

[0046] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention. Index of Elements for Retractable Enclosure System □ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 10. Retractable EnclosureSystem □ 11. □ 12. □ 13. □ 14. □ 15. □ 16. □ 17. □ 18. □ 19. □ 20.Housing □ 21. □ 22. Interior Portion □ 23. □ 24. □ 25. □ 26. □ 27. □ 28.□ 29. □ 30. First Support Member □ 31. □ 32. □ 33. □ 34. □ 35. □ 36. □37. □ 38. □ 39. □ □ □ □ □ □ □ 40. Second Support Member □ 41. □ 42.Hinge □ 43. □ 44. □ 45. □ 46. □ 47. □ 48. □ 49. □ 50. Third SupportMember □ 51. □ 52. Upper Support Member □ 53. □ 54. □ 55. □ 56. □ 57. □58. □ 59. □ 60. Fourth Support Member □ 61. □ 62. Eyelets □ 63. □ 64. □65. □ 66. □ 67. □ 68. □ 69. □ 70. Lower Extension Members □ 71. □ 72.Upper Extension Members □ 73. □ 74. Support Cables □ 75. □ 76. Hooks □77. □ 78. Cable Reel □ 79. □ □ 80. Covering □ 81. □ 82. First Sleeves □83. □ 84. Second Sleeves

I claim:
 1. A retractable enclosure system, comprising: a housing havingan interior portion; a foldable frame attached to said housing or abuilding structure, wherein said foldable frame is positionable withinsaid interior portion when in a storage position; and a coveringattached to said foldable frame.
 2. The retractable enclosure system ofclaim 1, wherein said covering is comprised of a netting material. 3.The retractable enclosure system of claim 1, wherein said foldable frameforms an inverted U-shaped structure.
 4. The retractable enclosuresystem of claim 3, wherein said covering encloses a top and opposingsides of said foldable frame.
 5. The retractable enclosure system ofclaim 1, wherein said foldable frame is comprised of a plurality ofsupport members, a plurality of upper extension members attached betweensaid plurality of support members, and a plurality of lower extensionmembers attached between said plurality of support members.
 6. Theretractable enclosure system of claim 5, wherein said plurality ofsupport members are comprised of a first support member, a secondsupport member, a third support member and a fourth support member. 7.The retractable enclosure system of claim 6, including an upper supportmember pivotally attached to said third support member.
 8. Theretractable enclosure system of claim 6, including a pair of hingesattached to distal ends of said second support member, said thirdsupport member and said fourth support member.
 9. The retractableenclosure system of claim 1, including a plurality of sleeves attachedto said covering and engaging said foldable frame.
 10. The retractableenclosure system of claim 1, wherein said housing has an invertedU-shaped structure.
 11. A retractable enclosure system, comprising: ahousing having an interior portion; a foldable frame attached to saidhousing or a building structure, wherein said foldable frame ispositionable within said interior portion when in a storage position; acable reel positioned within said housing; a plurality of support cablesattached to said cable reel and slidably extending adjacent to an upperportion of said foldable frame; and a covering attached to said foldableframe.
 12. The retractable enclosure system of claim 11, wherein saidcovering is comprised of a netting material.
 13. The retractableenclosure system of claim 11, wherein said foldable frame forms aninverted U-shaped structure.
 14. The retractable enclosure system ofclaim 13, wherein said covering encloses a top and opposing sides ofsaid foldable frame.
 15. The retractable enclosure system of claim 11,wherein said foldable frame is comprised of a plurality of supportmembers, a plurality of upper extension members attached between saidplurality of support members, and a plurality of lower extension membersattached between said plurality of support members.
 16. The retractableenclosure system of claim 15, wherein said plurality of support membersare comprised of a first support member, a second support member, athird support member and a fourth support member.
 17. The retractableenclosure system of claim 16, including an upper support memberpivotally attached to said third support member.
 18. The retractableenclosure system of claim 16, including a pair of hinges attached todistal ends of said second support member, said third support member andsaid fourth support member.
 19. The retractable enclosure system ofclaim 11, including a plurality of sleeves attached to said covering andengaging said foldable frame.
 20. The retractable enclosure system ofclaim 11, wherein said plurality of support cables include a pluralityof hooks that selective engage a corresponding plurality of eyeletsattached to a fourth support member of said frame.